Riley first to go in First Choice cull

FIRST Choice general manager long-haul John Riley is believed to be the first casualty of planned job cuts following a wide-ranging business review designed to slash costs by £10 million.

The operator has confirmed Riley, who has a 12-year history with First Choice, left on Monday. Riley also held responsibility for direct brand Eclipse, Unijet and its Disneyland Resort Paris programme.

The company said Riley’s role had been axed following a restructure of the product department and said other product division staff were in consultation over proposed changes to their roles.

Riley reported to product director Tim Williamson.

A spokeswoman said: "There has been a change in structure in the product department which unfortunately means John Riley’s role has gone.”

However, industry sources claim Riley is the first in a "reasonably significant” number of cuts following the conclusion of the review, named Project Eden, and had been an early target because of his seniority and subsequent pay level.

"Times are very tough and overheads have to be cut,” said one.

The review has been led internally by IT director Peter Cudmore with external consultants PA Consulting.

The news follows plans of a shake-up across First Choice’s specialist brands which has seen at least 25 jobs go.